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U.S. NEWS

Campus Protests

Protests have taken over college campuses.

It’s about the war in Gaza. The “pro-Palestine” side thinks that Israel is being too harsh in the war. The “pro-Israel” side thinks that Israel is just doing what is necessary to win the war.

Pro-Palestine protests started at Columbia University in New York. Then, protests spread to hundreds of colleges. Pro-Palistine protesters don’t like their schools' financial ties to Israel. They've been camping out, chanting, holding signs, and even taking over campus buildings. 

Overwhelmed by the crowds, schools asked the police for help. Police have arrested over a thousand protestors. Some schools say they will suspend students who break the rules. Other colleges have held classes online and made deals with protesters.

Some pro-Israel protests have started at Columbia. They want pro-Palestine protesters to say that Hamas is bad. They also want to protect Jewish students who are being bullied.

Pro-Palestine protesters say that any hateful actions are against the State of Israel, not Jewish people. Many professors say that students have a right to free speech and that the police don’t belong on campus.

Politicians from both parties have criticized any hate and bullying. They've asked schools to protect students better.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
When discussing sensitive topics like the war in Gaza, remember that what you believe and how you express it reflect your faith in Christ. That means loving and praying for Jewish people, Palestinians, members of Hamas (!), and people who passionately disagree with you on this topic.

“Finally, all of you be like-minded and sympathetic, love one another, and be compassionate and humble, not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing.”
1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬–9‬ ‭CSB‬‬

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
What we say – and how we say it – matters.

God commands believers to use speech to build others up. Ephesians 4 says, “No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear… Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you” (Ephesians 4:26-31 CSB).

Especially when discussing things of consequence, like war or heated protests, we want to honor God with our words.

What gospel lesson can be taught through this story?
Christians conquer evil with good, not more evil.

The apostle Paul tells us what to do when faced with injustice: “Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath… But ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head.’ Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good” (Romans 12:19-21 CSB).

The Lord’s radical guidance is to respond to toxic speech with kind words, to disrespect with compassion and care, and to bullying with respect. This light exposes the darkness for what it is, and Jesus promises that light will win in the end.

• Read Ephesians 4 as a family and make a list that contrasts descriptions of the “former way of life” with “the new self.” In what areas do you see your “old self” hanging on?

• Memorize Romans 12:21, “Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.” (CSB)

• Pray for the Spirit’s help so that your speech blesses and builds up others, even when it’s not easy. Pray for everyone involved in these protests, and pray for everyone in the war they’re protesting.

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